142 Forced migration of Malawian migrants in South Africa during the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19): processes, experiences and implications for public health policy and practice

Abstract PTH 2: Determinants of Health Disease and Interventions 2, B307 (FCSH), September 3, 2025, 15:45 - 16:39 Aim The paper describes the processes undertaken by the Malawian government to ensure safe return of Malawian migrants that were stranded in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic and gather experiences of these migrants on their return journey. Methods The researchers interviewed 4 key informants from the Malawi government, one based in South Africa and 3 based in Malawi to understand the role played by the Malawi government to ensure the safe return of the stranded citizens. Further 14 migrants that returned to Malawi during the pandemic were interviewed to share their experiences of their return journey. Results Between May and December, 2020, the Malawi Embassy in South Africa reported of assisting repatriation of 14,392 stranded Malawian citizens. All repatriation missions using buses were accompanied by a staff member of the Malawi Embassy to ensure smooth passage across the borders of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The migrants used their own resources to pay for their return journey. Migrants reported unsafe conditions during their return journey including lack of social distancing in the buses, reported use of fake COVID-19 test results by some migrants, delays in departure of buses versus agreed dates, running short of money to buy food and other necessities, being denied to get off the bus to use bathroom facilities along the journey among others. Conclusion Despite limited resources and numerous logistical challenges, the Malawi government made efforts to negotiate with the South African government for the return of its stranded citizens in South African. It is imperative for governments to prepare and assist citizens during emergencies to protect lives. Involvement of all relevant professionals in the repatriation process is vital, such as inclusion of health professionals to ensure prevention of the spread of infections among the returnees during such journeys.